As storytellers, we build solidarity between cultures and communities, because if we can tell our stories, we’ll see that we’re not so different. Music can break down barriers and give us a way to dream together.
- Hector Flores
Musical group Las Cafeteras — celebrated storytellers and social justice mavericks from East L.A. — brought their lively fusion of Afro-Latin rhythms, Son Jarocho, folk, rock and hip-hop to the stage at Stan State, kicking off the new Diversity Celebration Series in style for National Hispanic Heritage Month, thanks to the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Mocse Credit Union and in collaboration with campus partners in the Office of the President, Inclusive Excellence, Warrior Cross Cultural Center and the University Student Center
Stanislaus State awarded honorary doctorates to two beloved members of its community, Donna Pierce and Wanda Bonnell, during the University’s 64th Commencement ceremonies held in May.
Pierce received the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the College of Science ceremony while Bonnell, an alumna, was honored with the same distinction during the College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work ceremony.
Pierce has been a driving force behind the Wayne and Donna Pierce Trans-California Pathway, bringing to life her late husband Wayne's vision of an on-campus arboretum. A professor at Stanislaus State for 35 years, Wayne inspired the initiative to showcase California's diverse flora.
Wanda Bonnell, a first-generation college graduate, founded the Promise Scholars program at Stan State in 2006 to support foster and emancipated youth in pursuit of higher education. Having served as a counselor and academic advisor in the Educational Opportunity Program for 24 years, Bonnell transformed the lives of many students and provided them with the resources and guidance they needed to succeed.
Both honorees delivered heartfelt remarks that reflected their gratitude and ongoing dedication to the University.
Professor of Psychology Harold Stanislaw is leading a $954,032 National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project to study how student well-being influences success among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduate students. Partnering with three other California State University campuses — Northridge, Los Angeles and East Bay — the Well-Being Alliance for Research Masters (WARM) aims to understand how addressing well-being can affect students’ degree completion and retention.
The study will use an app to measure students’ sense of energy, belonging, joy and purpose, while student advisory councils will provide feedback on what’s working and what’s not.
“It’s about understanding graduate students as whole people and supporting their mental health,” Stanislaw said.
Launching at Stan State, the four-year project will expand across participating campuses. By tracking trends, the research team hopes to identify strategies to help more students thrive and shape a stronger support system across the CSU. The findings could help guide best practices for student well-being and influence future programs that support graduate students.
Stan State’s streak of high college rankings shines a light on how Stanislaus State transforms lives. With tailored academic and personal support and hands-on learning opportunities, the University equips students with the skills and confidence to succeed.
“We are incredibly honored by these latest rankings as they truly capture the heart of what we do at Stanislaus State,” said President Britt Rios-Ellis. “A Stan State education provides an exceptional return on investment, offering a transformative experience that facilitates student and community empowerment. As our students rise and thrive, they create a lasting impact on their families, their chosen fields and their communities. Being recognized for social mobility and public impact underscores our role as an anchor institution in the Central Valley.”
WALL STREET JOURNAL
- #2 Social Mobility
- #9 Best Public College
- #10 Best Value
WASHINGTON MONTHLY
- #4 Best Bang for the Buck
- #7 Master’s Program
COLLEGE FUTURES FOUNDATION
- #4 Golden Opportunities in California: ROI
THIRD WAY
- #6 Economic Mobility
- U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
#3 Social Mobility
- #5 Best Public Colleges
- #8 Best Colleges for Veterans
- #10 Best in the West
Stanislaus State celebrated a major milestone at its Stockton Campus in August with the signing and placement of the final beam on its new academic building — a long-standing construction tradition that symbolizes the completion of the building’s structural framework and the beginning of a new chapter for the campus.
The beam, painted white and featuring the University’s shield, was signed by President Britt Rios-Ellis, Stockton Campus Dean Sarah Sweitzer, Otto Construction team members, faculty, staff and community supporters who have championed the campus’ growth.
“When students see that Stan State logo at the top, I hope it sparks pride and a sense of belonging,” Sweitzer said. “It’s a symbol that they can reach their highest dreams.”
Set to open in fall 2025, the new academic building will house state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative spaces and student support areas, creating an enriching setting for learning and community engagement. President Rios-Ellis highlighted the building’s role in expanding Stan State’s impact in Stockton and San Joaquin County by offering more resources that support student success.
The new facility reflects the Stockton Campus’ ongoing transformation into a hub of educational excellence and opportunity.
Watch YouTube Video: Stockton Campus Construction Beam Signing
Estefania Hernandez Luna, a first-year Stanislaus State Master of Social Work student, received one of the California State University’s most prestigious honors: the Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. Each year, one student from each of the 23 CSU campuses is selected for the award, and Hernandez Luna was named the William Randolph Hearst Scholar. She and the other recipients were recognized at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in September.
The Stockton native, who graduated from San José State with a bachelor’s degree in 2021, anticipates completing her master’s in spring 2025. Her passion for helping others, developed through internships with El Concilio and San Joaquin County Behavioral Health, continues to drive her academic success and community impact.
Inspired by her mother’s early recognition of her empathy, Hernandez Luna set her sights on social work. She plans to become a licensed clinical social worker, and she is already putting her skills to work and making a meaningful impact in her community.
Sara Valentine, a 1984 Stan State alumna, is no stranger to challenges. Recently, she took on her most significant one yet: donating a kidney to a stranger in need. After seeing a sign about 14-year-old Jaxon Shaneyfelt from Turlock who needed a transplant, Valentine decided to act.
Although she wasn't a match for Jaxon, her donation initiated a chain of events that ultimately saved multiple lives, with her kidney going to a recipient in Tampa. In May 2024, Valentine underwent the fourhour procedure at Stanford Medical Center. Within days of her surgery, she was back on her feet and moving around.
Valentine’s commitment to helping others mirrors her dedication to sports and teaching. While at Stan State, she earned a liberal studies degree and as a studentathlete, competed in women’s basketball, softball and the heptathlon. A retired elementary teacher, she reflects on her journey: “Stan State helped me become who I am, and I’m thankful.”
Former Interim President Sue Borrego was honored with the City of Turlock’s highest accolade — a key to the city — during the State of Turlock address in July. Turlock Mayor and Stan State alumna Amy Bublak, who graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s in sociology, presented the key to Borrego, acknowledging the significant impact she made in the community during her 10-month tenure with the University.
“I would like to recognize an individual who, in a truly brief time, made such a significant difference in our community,” Bublak said. The key, mounted on a plaque, was crafted at Stan State’s Dr. Allan Greenberg & Dr. Ellen Junn Warrior Fab Lab, symbolizing the University’s deep connection with the city.